Senator Obama’s Asian American supporters are making the news all over the country. Here are articles, op-eds, letters to the editors, and other features by and/or about Asian Americans for Obama. Please download and distribute. If you have any more to add, please contact us at news@asianamericansforobama.com.
Obama’s inspiration, his grandmother, passes away, November 3, 2008
On the eve of the election, Madelyn Payne Dunham, the grandmother whom Senator Obama affectionately referred to as Toot, passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer in Hawai’i. Having been raised for much of his life by his grandparents, Obama frequently cited Dunham as an inspiration in his speeches. Click here.
Asian Americans hope for large turnout on Election Day, November 3, 2008
The newspaper of the University of Central Florida reports that groups such as APIA Youth Vote and the National Asian Pacific American Panhellenic Association have launched get out the vote efforts at Asian groceries, campus locations, cultural schools, and churches to mobilize young Asian American voters. Click here.
Republicans’ loss is Democrats’ gain: Indian Americans, November 3, 2008
Tomorrow, Indian Americans, historically a Democratic-leaning demographic, are expected to exceed the support they threw behind Senator Kerry and vote for Senator Obama by a margin of 4 to 1. Click here.
Arab Americans expected to vote in large numbers tomorrow, November 3, 2008
Despite concerns of voter intimidation, Arab Americans are expected to turn out in large numbers. Organizations such as the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee have mobilized voter protection units to ensure that voters are able to cast their ballots without any problems. Click here.
Obama, the man with a taste for Indian food, November 3, 2008
Growing up, Senator Obama learnt tales from the Mahabharata from his mother and developed a liking for Indian food. A former aide noted these affinities for Indian culture demonstrate the senator’s commitment to serving the Indian American community. Click here.
Indian Americans pitch in for Obama, November 3, 2008
Across the range of issues that Indian Americans have cited as important in this election, Obama emerges as the clear favorite. Click here.
New Ohio polls shows Obama with a huge lead among Asian Americans, November 2, 2008
A new Columbus Dispatch poll suggests Barack Obama may be leading John McCain by as much as 36 points among Asian Americans in Ohio. Sixty-five percent of respondents in the poll’s “Asian/other” category back Obama, to just 29% for McCain. Click here.
Barack Obama through Filipino American eyes, November 2, 2008
As president, Barack Obama would move America’s story forward in ways that honor civil rights leaders such as Filipino American labor activists Phillip Vera Cruz and Larry Itliong. Click here.
Why Filipino Americans should vote for Obama, November 2, 2008
A Philippine Star op-ed explains why Filipino Americans should vote for Senator Obama, citing the transformative potential of an Obama administration. Click here.
Why American Muslims are poised to vote en masse for Obama, November 1, 2008
Frustrated by the anti-Muslim fear-mongering deployed by the Republican Party, American Muslims are expected to vote for Senator Obama by staggering margins. Click here.
Asian Americans on the political stage, November 1, 2008
The Nichi Bei Times reviews how Asian Americans have made strides this year gaining prominence in U.S. politics. The article cites the National Asian American Survey and a report released by Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics. Click here.
APIA Vote partners rally to impact election day, October 31, 2008
APIA Vote and its partners, including the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, has announced its get out the vote and voter protection efforts for November 4. Click here.
Elderly Indian Americans betting on Obama, October 31, 2008
A New American Media article highlights Indian American senior citizens’ support for Obama in Cupertino, California. While Indian Americans have traditionally voted Democratic, the seniors interviewed in this article reveal that Indian American support for Obama far exceeds their enthusiasm in past elections. Click here.
Korean Americans play crucial role in Obama campaign, October 31, 2008
A Dong-a Ilbo article profiles several Korean Americans who are playing key roles in the Obama campaign, such as Eugene Kang, a 24-year-old Michigan graduate who serves as Obama’s assistant. The article also mentions prominent Korean American politicians Jun Choi, mayor of Edison, New Jersey, and Sam Yoon, city councillor in Boston, Mass., who have both endorsed Senator Obama. Click here.
Asian Week interviews Senator Obama, October 30, 2008
In an interview with Asian Week, Senator Obama reiterates his commitment to the AAPI community, pointing to his roots in Hawai’i. Obama mentions his “Blueprint for Change for Asian American Pacific Islanders” and that he considers himself an “honorary AAPI.” Click here.
Poll predicts Obama landslide among Asian Americans in California, October 30, 2008
Barack Obama has opened up a huge 23-point lead over John McCain among Asian Americans in California, according to the latest Field Poll of the state. That margin is helping contribute to an overall 22-point lead for Obama among California voters, which if it holds would be the biggest presidential landslide in modern California history, outpacing even the margins racked up by Ronald Reagan. Click here.
An Obama administration would strengthen ties with ASEAN, October 30, 2008
The Associated Foreign Press reports that an Obama administration would reinvigorate United States ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a region that was generally neglected by the Bush administration. Click here.
One more call to action from AAFO, October 30, 2008
In his weekly presidential campaign update, Ramey Ko makes a call to action for the AAPI community to rally behind Senator Obama. Click here.
Asian American vote crucial in key states, October 30, 2008
The Voice of America echoes other publications in pointing out the growing political presence of the AAPI community. The article includes quotes from Don Nakanishi, director of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center. Nakanishi points out that over 2,000 Asian Americans currently hold political offices across the country. Click here.
Why Senator Obama is the best candidate for the AAPI community, October 29, 2008
In an op-ed written in Chinese for the Erie Chinese Journal, California State Assemblymember Ted Lieu tells Chinese and Taiwanese American voters in Ohio and Pennsylvania why Senator Obama is best suited for the presidency. Click here to read the original Chinese text and an English translation.
From the Aloha State to head of state, October 29, 2008
A Jakarta Post article explains the excitement that Senator Obama’s candidacy has stirred in the state of Hawai’i and the ways in which Hawai’i has shaped the senator’s worldview. Click here.
Leading Arab American newspaper endorses Obama, October 29, 2008
The Arab American News endorsed Senator Barack Obama for president, saying that Obama represents the country’s best hope to change economic and foreign policies and alleviate discrimination against Arab Americans. Click here.
An Obama landmark is planned — in Indonesia, October 29, 2008
Banking on an Obama win on November 4, Dutch businessman is hoping to transform the modest Jakarta home in which Senator Obama spent part of his childhood into a presidential landmark. Click here.
Arab Americans backing Obama, October 29, 2008
A poll released yesterday by the Arab American Institute revealed that Senator Obama has continued to make gains among Arab American voters, besting his Republican rival 64 percent to 23 percent. Click here.
Meet the Japanese Obama, October 29, 2008
After his wife pointed out his resemblance to the Democratic presidential nominee, Japanese comedian Nocchi Sato has spent most of 2008 mastering his impersonation of Senator Obama. Click here.
Why I’m voting for Barack Obama, October 28, 2008
Dale Minami, lawyer, civil rights leader, and member of the steering committee of the AAPIs for Obama Leadership Council, explains why he supports Senator Obama in Asian Week. “His candidacy has not only opened up our imagination of what America can become, but has also given us our best chance to stop America’s descent,” Minami writes. Click here.
Pakistan gives Biden award, October 28, 2008
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari awarded Senator Biden the Crescent of Pakistan in recognition for his consistent support for Pakistan. Click here.
Parties chase the Asian American vote, October 27, 2008
A BBC report reiterates the nascent prominence that the Asian American community has taken on in this election. It notes that Asian American voters have become “the most coveted voting group.” Click here.
Senator Obama wishes the Indian American community a joyous Diwali, October 27, 2008
Extending warm wishes for Diwali to the Indian American community, Obama said the festival provides an opportunity to affirm a commitment to spread peace and tolerance around the world. Click here.
Virginia campaign forum addresses Asian American voters, October 27, 2008
Chris Lu, Senator Obama’s chief of staff, participated in a forum at a Chinese restaurant in Arlington, Virginia. Lu posited that, if elected, Senator Obama could be viewed in many ways as the “first Asian American president.” Click here.
Growing Asian American vote sheds passive past, October 26, 2008
Once a “silent minority,” Asian America is now flexing its new political muscle in swing states such as Nevada and Virginia, an Associated Press article reports. Click here.
Indian Americans energize Obama campaign, October 26, 2008
The India Post reports on Indian Americans for Obama’s activities in Schererville and Merrillville in India, an area of the state once solidly Republican that may put Obama over the top in this election. Balvinder Singh, campaign chair for Indian Americans for Obama, is quoted. Click here.
Asian favorite, October 26, 2008
McCain and Obama have both had formative experiences in Asia. The Bangkok Post explains why Obama’s perspective on Asia is more relevant to today’s problems. Click here.
At the U.N., many prefer Obama to win, October 26, 2008
An informal survey of over two dozen U.N. staff members and delegates from around the world revealed overwhelming support for Senator Obama. “Please, God, let him win,” an American staff member said, referring to Obama. Click here.
Vietnamese Americans abandon the GOP, October 25, 2008
A Mercury News analysis of nearly 30,000 Santa Clara voters shows that Vietnamese Americans under the age of 30 are registering as Democrats by a margin of 4 to 1. Click here.
Obama’s Hawai’i trip demonstrates family comes first, October 25, 2008
Time reports on Obama’s bittersweet homecoming to Hawai’i and the volumes that the senator’s trip reveals about his deep connections to the Aloha State. Click here.
Obama’s plan for every community, October 25, 2008
Congressman Mike Honda writes in Asian Week a call to action for the Asian American community to bring Senator Obama’s message of commitment to the AAPI community to undecided voters in battleground states. Click here.
Obama pays a visit, perhaps his last, to his beloved grandmother, October 24, 2008
The Mercury News provides a lengthy article covering Obama’s relationship with his beloved grandmother, who he visited in Hawai’i this past weekend. Click here.
Who is the Asian American voter? October 24, 2008
Asian Week takes another look at the National Asian American Survey, painting a more complete demographic overview of the Asian American vote. Click here.
Growing Asian American vote gains visibility and influence, October 24, 2008
Fox News echoes this week’s Washington Post article on the Asian American vote, pointing out that the Asian American vote has already swayed elections such as the Virgnia senatorial race in 2006. Click here.
Japanese citizens would vote for Obama, October 24, 2008
A new poll reveals that 61 percent of Japanese citizens would vote for Obama, the Yomiuri Shimbun reports. Click here.
Tea with Maya Soetoro-Ng October 23, 2008
Salon interviews Sen. Obama’s sister Maya Soetoro-Ng. Mrs. Soetoro-Ng speaks about her “awesome” big brother, his early presidential leanings and their mother’s legacy of hope. Click here.
Obama enjoys strong support in China, October 23, 2008
Sen. Obama enjoys support as high as 75 percent in some parts of China; a Chinese media analyst opined that Obama is “living the American dream.” Click here.
American more than a birthright, October 23, 2008
In an Asian Week op-ed, Jeff Yang points out that the lingering myths about Obama’s foreignness resonate with the pervasive theme of “perpetual foreigner” in Asian American history. Click here.
AAFO updates Asian Week on recent activities, October 23, 2008
Eugenia Beh, Nina Ahmad, Jay Chen, and Keith Kamisugi provide AAFO’s weekly update on campaign activities, including a Philadelphia community forum with Congressman Mike Honda, a roadtrip to Las Vegas with Kelly Hu to get out the vote, and an upcoming house party in Austin. Click here.
Obama has won over the Arab American community, October 23, 2008
Dandana TV, the first Arab American television station in the country, has concluded that Arab American voters have largely thrown their support for Senator Obama. Click here.
The right side of history, October 22, 2008
In an Asian Week op-ed, Vu Duc Vuong posits that future generations will ask us, “Did you vote for Barack Obama?” He encourages voters to cast their ballot “on the right side of history.” Click here.
Obama holds rally in Miami, October 22, 2008
The Epoch Times reports in Chinese about Obama’s recent rally in Miami. Click here.
Obama supports Hmong cause, October 22, 2008
The Huntington Times reports on a letter released by the Obama campaign that affirms Obama’s commitment to serving the Hmong American community. Click here.
Asian Americans feeling the power, October 21, 2008
A Washington Post article recognizes the growing clout of the Asian American community, particularly in Northern Virginia. The article notes the tremendous organizing effort that Asian Americans in Virginia have mobilized in support of Sen. Obama. Click here.
Obama’s grandmother fights to see him elected, October 21, 2008
Senator Obama’s grandmother Madelyn Payne Durham, an 85-year-old former bank executive living in Hawai’i, is said to have fallen “gravely ill.” But whatever happens, her brother says that she has already lived long enough to see her “Barry” accomplish great things. Click here.
The American Muslim vote, October 21, 2008
The Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation has launched the “MAS Voting is Power” program to encourage American Muslims living in swing states like Pennsylvania and Florida to exercise their right to vote. Click here.
Obama tailors policy to the Asian American vote, October 21, 2008
San Francisco station KPIX reports on the Obama campaign’s “Blueprint for Change” for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. Click here.
Obama’s tutu a female pioneer in Hawai’i, October 20, 2008
Senator Obama’s grandmother, or “tutu” in Hawaiian, Madelyn Payne Durham is profiled in this Honolulu Advertiser article for her trailblazing career in the Hawaiian banking industry and the formative role she has played in Senator Obama’s live. Click here.
Arab American hopes to win Virginia over, October 20, 2008
Sam Rasoul, a 27-year-old Arab American running for the House of Representatives in Roanoke, is part of the wave of Democratic talent that has accompanied Senator Obama’s surging popularity in Virginia. Click here.
Obama: India a natural partner for the US, October 20, 2008
Citing Senator Obama’s Blueprint for Change We Need for AAPIs, NDTV expresses optimism that an Obama presidency will further strengthen U.S.-Indian relations. Click here.
The case for Senator Obama, October 20, 2008
In an op-ed in Little India, Parag Mehta, Director of External Communications for the Democratic National Committee, writes that he supports Senator Obama because Obama best reflects the values of family, responsibility, and community. Click here.
Asian Americans get out the vote, October 19, 2008
Asian Week profiles three Asian American activists who are rallying the AAPI community to vote, including Grande Lum, a member of the Obama campaign’s National Asian American Leadership Council. Click here.
Obama to work with AAPI groups, October 19, 2008
The Guam Pacific Daily News reports about an open letter that Senator Obama released on October 16. The letter expressed Obama’s commitment to working with the AAPI community to improve education, health care, and the economy. Click here.
Desi divide, October 19, 2008
Daily News & Analysis points to the growing political clout of the Indian American community. While several considerations are factoring into many Indian Americans’ presidential choice, the majority of Indian Americans have thrown their support for Senator Obama. Click here.
Indians extend support to Biden, October 19, 2008
Indian community activists gathered to speak with Senator Biden in Chicago to express the Indian community’s support for the Obama-Biden ticket. Click here.
Obama gains a foothold in Little Saigon, October 18, 2008
Over a hundred Vietnamese Americans came out to show their support for Senator Obama in the heart of Little Saigon in Southern California. The event reflects the growing support Obama has in a traditionally Republican stronghold. Click here.
Filipino American groups sponsor fundraiser for Obama, October 18, 2008
GMA News covers a fundraiser for the Obama campaign jointly sponsored by the Filipino-American Democratic Club of Vallejo and Filipinos for Obama. Dexter Ligot-Gordon, member of the FFO national coalition building team, is quoted in the article. Click here.
Obama campaign worker attacked while canvassing, October 18, 2008
Obama campaign worker Nancy Takehara said she was attacked while canvassing in Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon. “The next thing I know he’s telling us we’re not his people, we’re probably with ACORN, and he started screaming and raving,” Takehara said. “He grabbed me by the back of the neck. I thought he was going to rip my hair out of my head. He was pounding on my head and screaming. The man terrified me.” Click here.
AAPIs assess final presidential debate, October 18, 2008
In a post-debate event organized by the USC Asian American Alumni Association, over 80 students and alumni participated in a conversation about the final presidential debate. Assemblymember Ted Lieu attended to provide commentary as a surrogate for the Obama campaign. Click here.
Little India endorses Obama, October 17, 2008
Little India, the largest Indian American publication in the country, threw its support for Senator Obama in the presidential election today. Click here.
The Indian Factor, October 17, 2008
India Today notes that Indian Americans have emerged as a political force in this presidential election. The article cites the overwhelming Indian American support Obama has received, in addition to the number of prominent Indian Americans that have endorsed Senator Obama. Hrishi Karthikeyan, co-founder of South Asians for Obama, is quoted. Click here.
Asian Americans overwhelmingly oppose Proposition 8, October 17, 2008
A new poll reveals that 57% of Asian American voters in California plan to vote against Proposition 8, which would amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage. Click here.
Asian American political groups throw support behind Obama, October 16, 2008
An NYU publication covers a debate-watching event jointly planned by Asian Americans for Obama, Korean Americans for Political Advancement, New York Asian Americans, South Asians for Obama, and Filipinos for Obama. Click here.
Asian Americans for Obama out in full force, October 16, 2008
Eugenia Beh and Keith Kamisugi provide another update on AAFO activities for Asian Week. Click here.
“That one” comment resonates with Asian American community, October 16, 2008
Encouraging Asian American voters to mobilize for Barack Obama, Emil Guillermo points out that McCain’s “that one” comment in the second presidential debate hearkens back to moments of discrimination in American history. Click here.
The Obama campaign releases Tagalog advertisement in Philippine News, October 16, 2008
The Obama campaign released a Tagalog advertisement in Philippine News, a leading Filipino American newspaper. The main text reads, “For the change that we need, vote for Barack Obama on November 4th.” Click here.
Indian students believe Obama will be next president, October 16, 2008
College students in India have voiced optimism that Senator Obama will be elected the next president of the United States. They also noted that an Obama presidency will be a step in the right direction in many respects. Click here.
Asian American voters will be key, October 15, 2008
The San Francisco Gate reports that, with one-third of Asian American voters still undecided in the presidential race, Asian Americans are among the independent voters coveted by both presidential campaigns. Click here.
The Obama campaign’s “unprecedented” appeal to Asian American voters, October 15, 2008
India West reports that the Obama campaign is making an “unprecedented” push to target Asian American voters in Virginia and other battleground states. The article features quotes from Betsy Kim, deputy director of the Obama campaign’s Asian and Pacific Islander American voter outreach efforts. Click here.
Philippine Senator opines that an Obama presidency will be more “pro-Filipino”, October 15, 2008
Philippine Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago released a statement that expresses her optimism that an Obama presidency will result in American foreign policy that will strengthen U.S.-Philippine relations. Click here.
Asian Americans in New York and New Jersey favor Obama, October 14, 2008
Although nearly half of Asian American voters in New York and New Jersey do not identify with either party, Senator Obama holds a commanding lead among Asian American voters in the region. Click here.
The Obama campaign unveils its Asian American “Blueprint”, October 14, 2008
Several Chinese American newspapers report on the October 14 unveiling of the Obama campaign’s “Blueprint for the Change We Need for the Asian American Community.” The event featured New York City Councilmember John Liu, former New York State Solicitor General Preeta Bansal, and State Assemblyperson Eileen Young. For the Ming Pao article, click here. For the China Press article, click here. For the World Journal article, click here.
Chinatown fraternal organization sees political clout rise, October 10, 2008
The New York Times profiles Eddie Chiu, president of the Lin Sing Association, who has transformed the fraternal club into an advocate for the Chinatown community in New York City. Click here.
Filipino American community leader endorses Obama, October 8, 2008
Loida Nicolas Lewis, a leader in the Filipino American community, came out with a powerful endorsement of Senator Obama in Las Vegas’s Asian Journal. Click here.
Ramey Ko speaks on behalf of AAFO at AAPI debate in Austin, October 7, 2008
Eugenia Beh and Keith Kamisugi report in AsianWeek about the latest efforts in the Asian Americans for Obama movement. The brief mentions AAFO founder Ramey Ko’s debate with a McCain representative at UT-Austin as well as the release of “Blueprint for Change” by Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA) and Rep. David Wu (D-WA). Click here.
Arab Americans hold sway in Michigan, October 7, 2008
USA Today reports on the increasing political clout that Arab Americans hold in Michigan. The article mentions the substantial outreach that the Obama campaign has made to the Arab American community. Click here.
Obama at the crossroads of American race relations and politics, October 6, 2008
Noted Asian American historian Ronald Tataki explains why Obama personifies hope in multicultural America. Click here.
Asian Americans favor Obama, October 6, 2008
The National Asian American Survey reveals that Asian American voters favor Senator Obama over Senator McCain by a large margin. Indian and Japanese Americans prefer Senator Obama by a commanding margin, and Obama also has leads among Chinese, Filipino, and Korean American voters. Click here.
Rushdie, Jhumpa, Kiran Desai rally for Obama, October 4, 2008
The Times of India previews a New York event sponsored by South Asians for Obama. The event will feature half a dozen acclaimed South Asian writers, including Salman Rushdie, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Kiran Desai. Click here.
Ro Khanna explains why Obama is the right choice for the Indian American community, October 3, 2008
In an op-ed in India Currents published on New American Media, Ro Khanna, the chair of the Indian American Council at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, elaborates on why Senator Obama represents an exceptional leader and the best choice for Indian Americans. Click here.
Maya Soetoro-Ng addresses nationwide education reform, October 2, 2008
In an appearance at Kihei Charter School in Maui, Maya Soetoro-Ng, a high school history teacher, spoke to the importance of prioritizing nationwide education reform in the next administration. Click here.
St. Louis Democratic leaders invite Asian American leaders to open forum, October 2, 2008
The St. Louis Chinese American Times announces an event to be held on October 11 in which Democratic leaders will field questions from the local Asian American community, including Senator Obama’s positions on immigration, the economy, healthcare, and small business concerns. Click here.
Obama campaign reaches out to Asian Americans, October 1, 2008
New American Media reports on the Obama campaign’s efforts to register more Asian Americans. The article mentions a conference call that Representative Mike Honda (D-California) held with campaign leaders, as well as quotes from Betsy Kim, Deputy Director of AAPI Vote, and Chris Lu, Senator Obama’s chief of staff Click here.
Maya Soetoro-Ng: “He’s ready for the job,” September 28, 2008
Senator Obama’s half-sister makes three appearances on Maui to campaign for her brother. Click here.
Obama’s early days in Jakarta, September 25, 2008
ABC News visits Indonesia to speak to former classmates, friends, and teachers of Senator Obama. They remember “Barry” as a good student and a leader. Click here.
Sister act, September 25, 2008
Maui Time Weekly sat down with Maya Soetoro-Ng to ask her questions about growing up with Senator Obama. Click here.
Former Milpitas mayor stumps for Obama, September 24, 2008
Henry Manayan, a Filipino and Chinese American who served as mayor of the Northern Californian city of Milpitas, has been active on the campaign trial for Senator Obama. Click here.
Maya Soetoro-Ng to speak at Kaua’i rally, September 23, 2008
Senator Obama’s half-sister was the featured speaker at a rally in Hawai’i on Sunday. Click here.
Obama’s Hawaiian getaway, September 20, 2008
The American Public Media provides a snapshot of Senator Obama’s strong ties to Hawaii. Click here.
Arab Americans favor Obama, September 19, 2008
A Zogby poll reveals that Senator Obama has a commanding lead over Senator McCain among Arab Americans. Click here.
Asian Americans for Obama updates Asian Week on activities, September 18, 2008
Eugenia Beh and Ramey Ko provide Asian Week with a brief update on the latest Asian Americans for Obama efforts. Click here.
A peek at Obama’s Middle East vision, September 17, 2008
The Asia Times provides an overview of Senator Obama’s plan for the Middle East and the tremendous promise it holds. Click here.
BBC polls suggest Pinoys — and the rest of the world — prefer Obama, September 16, 2008
GMA News reports that a BBC poll reveals that a substantial percentage of Filipinos believe an Obama presidency would improve U.S. relations with the rest of the world. Click here.
Maya Soetoro-Ng campaigns in Hawaii, September 16, 2008
Senator Obama’s sister Maya Soetoro-Ng makes rounds on the Big Island to campaign. Listen to an audio recording of her clip at the ILWU Union Hall. Click here.
Konrad Ng at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, September 16, 2008
Senator Obama’s brother-in-law and celebrated film academic Konrad Ng takes a brief detour off the campaign trail to head the advisory committee at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards in Australia. Read about it here.
Bay Area Filipinos unveil vote-Obama strategy, August 29, 2008
The Philippine News reports on a gathering of 150 community leaders, advocates, public officials, and volunteers for the launch of Filipinos for Obama. Read about it here.
Outlook India Interviews Barack Obama, July 21, 2008
In this one-on-one interview Senator Obama talks about a range of issues, including what distinguishes him from John McCain on foreign policy.
Barack’s Indonesian American Sister Maya Soetoro-Ng on the Campaign Trail, June-July 2008
MSNBC posts an AP story on Maya’s outreach to Asian American voters here.
Philippine News reports from a rally with Oakland youth.
AsianWeek reports on SF volunteer appreciation breakfast featuring quote from Barack supporter Grande Lum.
World Journal and Epoch Times Cover AAPI Vote for Change Outreach, May 11, 2008
NYC Asian American outreach efforts covered by World Journal. I’m told the actual number of voters registered by AAPI outreach was over 100. View photo (Alvin Lin, pictured) and article here and also as a PDF. Epoch Times article here.
Maya Soetero-Ng on Guam’s News Talk K57, Apr. 26, 2008
Check out this update on the race in Guam featuring a discussion with Maya here.
World Journal Profiles Obama Legislative Director Chris Lu, Apr. 20, 2008
Chris Lu was Barack’s Harvard Law School classmate and serves as a trusted advisor on the campaign and in his Senate office.
Download world_journal_profile_of_chris_lu_chinese.pdf
Download translation_of_world_journal_article_on_chris_lu.pdf
Calif. Obama Delegate Roger Hu Featured in World Journal, Apr. 15, 2008
Roger Hu, a dedicated volunteer for the Obama campaign, gained the most votes for Obama delegate in California’s 14th Congressional District. He was first drawn to politics by the espionage case with Wen Ho Lee.
Read the article in Chinese.
Read English Translation: Download translation_world_journal_article_roger_hu.pdf
Calif. Obama Supporters Debate on Sing Tao Chinese Language Radio, Mar. 28, 2008
Obama supporters Roger Hu, Albert Wong, and Darcy Paul debate Clinton supporters in Mandarin on Sing Tao radio. Listen to Part 1 of the debate here starting at 12 minutes. Then listen to Part 2 here.
Download the article in Sing Tao Daily:
Download SingTao-Obama-HRC-SupportersDebate-3.28.08-Chinese.pdf
The AAPI Community Responds to Obama’s Mar. 18, 2008 Speech on Race
Vincent Pan, Executive Director of Chinese for Affirmative Action, Mar. 25, 2008, Op-Ed in The San Francisco Chronicle
Phil Tajitsu Nash in AsianWeek, “We Have a Dream”
Anne Cardenas Branigin in Philippine News, Mar. 26, 2008, “The Audacity of a Speech”
Obama’s Exclusive Front-Page Interview with World Journal, Chinese-Language Daily, Mar. 1, 2008
Click on images below to enlarge.
Download world_journal_front_page_3.1.2008 - Chinese.pdf
Download world_journal_page_2_3.1.08 - Chinese.pdf
English Translation: Download interview_with_barack_in_world_journal_march_1_2008_translation.pdf
Download world_journal_front_page_3.1.08 - English transl.pdf
“Why Asian Americans in Ohio and Pennsylvania Should Support Barack Obama,” Op-Ed by California Assemblyman Ted Lieu in the Erie Chinese Journal
Great perspective on why AAPIs should support Barack Obama from the California assemblyman who grew up in Ohio. Rep. Lieu is the Chair of the California Asian American Legislative Caucus. Keep reading …
Maya Soetero-Ng, Obama’s Sister, in UK Times, Mar. 2, 2008
Maya speaks about her big brother Barack, life on the campaign trail, and their multicultural family. Click here to read.
Obama’s Op-Ed in India Abroad, Feb. 29, 2008
Barack writes, “I will be a President who draws upon the energy and expertise of the Indian-American community.”
Download obama_india_abroad_oped_2.29.08.pdf
“More Hope, More Promise,” Op-Ed by Sonal Shah in Indo-American News, Feb. 29, 2008
Click here to read.
“Barack Obama: A Candidate Whose Time Has Come,” Op-Ed by Prof. Ronald Takaki, Feb. 26, 2008
Takaki, a professor of Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley and author of A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America, writes: “A leader of vision, Obama has reached for the ties that bind — Lincoln’s ‘mystic chords of memory’, seeking to unite us as a diverse people belonging to one nation.”
Download ronald_takaki_oped_2.26.08.pdf
“Obama Greets Filipinos on People Power Day,” Asian Journal, Feb. 26, 2008
Asian Journal reports on Senator Obama’s statement on People Power and Filipino Veterans Equity. Read article by clicking here. Read Obama’s full statement: Download obama_statement_on_people_power_and_filipino_veterans_equity_act_2.25.08.pdf
Coverage by the Associated Press in various outlets globally: MSNBC, The Honolulu Advertiser, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the International Herald Tribune,the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the North County Times of California, and one of the largest networks in the Philippines GMA News.
Front Page Interview in World Journal with Barack’s Brother-In-Law, Konrad Ng, Feb. 24, 2008
World Journal is a nationally-syndicated Chinese-language paper.
Download world_journal_konrad_ng_interview_2.24.08 - Chinese.JPG
Download english_transl. - Konrad Ng - World Journal - 2.24.08.pdf
Click on the image below to enlarge.
Maya Soetero-Ng Featured in NY Times Magazine, Jan. 20, 2008
Maya, Barack Obama’s sister, answers questions about their family, what living in Indonesia taught them about Islam, and their multicultural background.
Download maya_soeterong_ny_times_magazine_1.20.08.pdf
“The American Dream,” AAPI Grassroots Ad Running in Korea Daily and Korea Times
This independently funded advertisement appears from February 20-26, and contains a statement of endorsements from AAPI community leaders across America. (Currently in Korean. English translation will be available shortly).
Download korea_times_ad_feb_2008_korean.pdf
Download korea_daily_ad_2.20-26.08.JPG
Download americandreamad_2.18.08 - English Transl.pdf
“Why Obama Is the Best Change Leader,” Op-Ed by Dr. Benham Tabrizi in Korea Times (Texas), Feb. 22, 2008
Dr. Tabrizi, a notable expert on organizational change management, is a best-selling author of the book Rapid Transformation and works extensively with Silicon Valley Top Executives.
Download tabrizi_koreatimes_2.22.08 - Korean.pdf
Download tabrizi_korea_times_2.22.08 - English.pdf
“Why I Changed from Clinton to Obama,” Op-Ed by Prof. Grace Yoo, Korea Daily, Feb. 22, 2008
Grace J. Yoo is an associate professor at San Francisco State University in the Asian American Studies Department. She is trained as a medical sociologist with research interests in health care access and uninsured Asian Americans. She writes: “Obama’s health care plan is about affordability which truly gives uninsured Americans options.” Read the original piece in Korean by clicking here.
Download graceyoo_oped_korea_daily_2.22.08 - English Transl.pdf
Asians for Obama! Editorial in AsianWeek, Feb. 21, 2008
AsianWeek writes about Obama’s overwhelming support among AAPIs in Hawaii: “Obama has brought tangible hope to all Americans. The reality of Asian American support for Obama presages the destiny of this country. Within our lifetimes, most Americans will be people of color, including the president of the United States.” Keep reading …
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Op-Ed by Susan Ahn Cuddy in Korea Times (Texas), Feb. 19, 2008
Susan Ahn Cuddy is a Korean American pioneer; daughter of Dosan Chang Ho and Helen Ahn, the first Korean married couple to immigrate to the United States in 1902.
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“Obama’s Better Judgment on the Iraq War,” Op-Ed by Anthony K. Lee in Korea Daily (Texas Ed.), Feb. 18, 2008, page A-2
Author Anthony Lee is a San Francisco lawyer and Harvard Law School classmate of Barack. The photo of Barack and Anthony was taken at the first Obama campaign fundraiser in San Francisco in February 2007
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Washington Post profiles Obama supporters Annabel Park and Dave Kumar, Feb. 10, 2008
Annabel is a filmmaker and activist who organized a group of AAPIs to volunteer for Obama before the Nevada caucuses and Dave is the founder of South Asians for Obama in Washington, DC. Read the coverage here.
“Why Obama,” Op-Ed by Professor Jerry Kang in Korea Times, Feb. 5, 2008
Professor Kang is a scholar of civil procedure, race, and communications at UCLA Law School. His op-ed ran in Korean, and the English translation can also be downloaded here.
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Filipino American Obama Supporters Profiled in Balita (Los Angeles), Feb. 5, 2008
This article about Filipino American campaigners features Mario Bonifacio and Angelica Jongco. Mario is a four-year Iraqi veteran and California native, who returned home in May 2007 and almost immediately threw his support behind Senator Obama. Mario is a full-time field organizer for the Obama campaign. Angelica is a San Francisco-based civil rights lawyer and member of Asian Americans for Obama.
Keep reading …
AsianWeek Endorses Barack, Feb. 1, 2008
AsianWeek endorses Barack on the Sunday before SuperTuesday. Read the short and sweet endorsement here.
“A Lesson from My Father: Vote for Obama,” Op-Ed by Wayne Nishioka in Nichi Bei Times, Jan. 31, 2008
Obama AAPI Volunteer Coordinator for Calif. CD 9 (Oakland) Wayne Nishioka writes: “At 94, going on 95, my dad is voting for Barack Obama. Why? Because he likes Obama’s judgment and the fact that his multi-faceted life forces him to see life from many different perspectives …” Keep reading …
“I Believe in Barack Obama,” Op-Ed by AJ Halagao in Philippine News, Jan. 30, 2008
Read AJ Halagao’s letter in support of Senator Obama in the January 30, 2008 edition of the Philippine News, which is the most widely circulated Filipino paper in the United States. Halagao, a Filipino American lawyer from Hawaii, explains that Barack Obama has launched an “extraordinary campaign that has been dynamic, dignified and painstakingly positive.” Keep reading …
Op-Ed by Preeta Bansal in India Abroad, Jan. 30, 2008
Preeta Bansal, former Solicitor General of the State of New York, Commissioner and past Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and former special counsel in the Clinton White House and Justice Department, writes: “Senator Obama – through the multitude of his life experiences and the calm, respectful style of his leadership – is someone who naturally and instinctively bridges so many divides.”
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The Filipino Channel Covers AAPIs for Obama Party in San Francisco, Jan. 29, 2008
Interviews with Kelly Hu, San Francisco School Board member Hydra Mendoza, and Community Organizer Dexter Ligot. Take a look at this high energy event.
“Obama, First Pinoy US President?” Column by Ben Pimentel in the Philippine Inquirer, Jan. 29, 2008
Veteran Bay Area journalist Pimentel writes: “Oh, all right, so he’s not Filipino. But he did live in Indonesia which is close enough, right? He also grew up in Hawaii, a state where the Pinoy community is huge and has even had a Pinoy governor. And if the Nobel Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison can claim that Bill Clinton was the first African American president, well, I should be able to make a similarly wild claim about Barack Obama. I mean he looks Pinoy, doesn’t he? He could very well be Pareng Barack.”
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